There is no worse-kept secret than Karl-Anthony Towns’ imminent trade to the New York Knicks. The players know it, the coaches know it, the organization knows it and the entire world knows it.
But for now, even at NBA Media Day when all the questions are likely to be about the blockbuster deal, the Knicks aren’t allowed to touch it. The league-shattering deal was the biggest elephant in the room on Monday, with players pulling out every trick in the book to avert their eyes and answers from the ordeal.
Team captain Jalen Brunson acted like he didn’t know who Towns was, Josh Hart feigned ignorance and surprise at the idea that a trade was made, newcomer Mikal Bridges said he likes Towns but left it that, and former Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau joked around with reporters trying to get a quote out of him.
It wasn’t the most finesse-laden day nor did they fool anyone into believing they were actually unaware of the situation, but considering the talent boost they added to their roster, if they can disguise their offensive sets half as well as they disguised their excitement, the Knicks should be in a pretty good spot going into the season.
Despite not talking about Towns, Brunson did talk about the impact of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the reported pieces heading to Minnesota as part of the deal.
“That was definitely tough. Thankful that Julius welcomed me with open arms here. … I’m really thankful for them and their friendships and what they brought to this team,” Brunson said.
“The memories we made together were really fun. And Donte, I mean, he was a groomsman at my wedding. That should tell you everything you need to know about our relationship. Love him to death.”
On the Timberwolves side, though president of basketball operations Tim Connelly declined to speak on the matter, the players were slightly more candid about the matter.
Rudy Gobert, Towns’ partner in Minnesota’s prized centre tandem, mentioned that the team will have to play a whole new brand of basketball as they adjust to life without KAT, but that he has “zero doubt” Randle and DiVincenzo will be able to fit into their culture and play style right away.
“It was a big surprise. Not expecting it two days before training camp, so I’m still processing it,” Gobert said. “KAT is someone I have a lot of love and respect for… I’m really grateful for the time that we spent together.”
“I think everyone knows KAT is my brother so that definitely hurt,” Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards added. “But it’s a business, so I just gotta roll with it. I’m ready to get to know [DiVincenzo and Randle] and get it figured out as fast as we can.”
There are always two sides to the coin when it comes to a trade. Though teams will try to keep it under wraps, focusing more on the on-court product, media day reminded fans that there’s an emotional side to the game, one that can’t be bottled up. Good or bad, excitement or disappointment, the business side of basketball doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We’ve only begun to see the toll of one of the biggest trades basketball has seen.
Bring your kid to work day
As usual, no team in the NBA will have as big of a light shined upon it as the Lakers and no player will be more in the spotlight than LeBron James. As if we needed any reason to watch him continue to play basketball, all eyes will be on him as he becomes to first player to suit up alongside his son in the Association.
Every bit of their banter from here on out will be documented. Every pass they send to each other will tally views like no other on social media. If by some chance they manage to connect on something as show-stopping as an alley-oop, the world might simply explode.
But for today, fans can watch the two hold their first joint media appearance at their first shared media day. Today, and every other day these two play together, will be a day of firsts.
LeBron James, following a photo op that showed him smiling through it all unable to believe this is his life, spoke about what it means to play alongside his son as he heads into his 22nd season in the NBA.
“It’s a lot of excitement. Just pure joy, to be honest,” James said according to Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell. “To come to work every day and put in hard work with your son. We push each other … Just a very joyous moment not only for myself, but for our family.”
Playing with Bronny is giving him “a lot of life,” James added.
22 years into his playing career and he doesn’t seem to have missed a beat. You figure you’ve seen it all when it comes to LeBron James, but if more life is somehow in the cards for Father Time’s greatest enemy… Suffice to say you should never count him out.
As usual, questions about his impending retirement were top of mind, but for now, James is choosing to live “in the moment” and enjoy a storybook year playing alongside his son.
New faces in new places
Every off-season comes with a ton of movement and media day is when fans are reminded of all the craziness that came and went over the past few months.
Whether it be high-profile rookies donning uniforms for the first time, superstars joining forces to create new big-threes or big-fours, or veterans crossing another team off the list over their long careers, it’s always a culture shock to see players we’re so familiar with in different colours.
Topping that list is Paul George making his first appearance as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. He joined the squad in free agency, forming a big three alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey built to rival the reigning champion Boston Celtics.
Just like their fit together should be, George looked rather seamless in the red, white and blue.
Meanwhile, two of the more glaring height disparities in the league came from new tandems and made for some great photo-ops at media day.
Phenom Victor Wembanyama (seven-foot-four) posed with new Spurs teammate Chris Paul (six-foot), while Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey (seven-foot-four) and high-flying superstar Ja Morant (six-foot-two) looked to have already developed some chemistry before taking the court.
If there are two players that can make their NBA teammates look small, it’s them.
Wembanyama and Paul are especially interesting. Though Paul is clearly in the twilight of his storied career, he’s become known in recent years for his ability to elevate rebuilding teams and help their young players find their footing in the league.
You can point to his time in Oklahoma City alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Phoenix with Devin Booker, Paul has improved young stars everywhere he’s gone. Now San Antonio is betting that he can do the same with Wembanyama and hope that at the same time, they can get a taste of contention in a crowded Western Conference.
“I didn’t just choose the Spurs, they chose me,” Paul said when asked about why he came to the Spurs in free agency. “Looking at the team and the ability to play, to hoop … that’s the motivation, it’s to compete.”
Quotes of the day
• “It’s definitely going to involve a lot of me.” James Harden on the Clippers’ style of play this season without Paul George.
• “I pretty much have a brand new knee.” Lonzo Ball on his return to the Bulls this season and his preparedness for opening day.
• “It’s historic, it’s powerful … It’s been super dope to watch so far.” Anthony Davis on LeBron and Bronny playing together.
• “My biggest goal this year is to get Mike [Conley] T’d up.” Joe Ingles on his goals for this season with the Timberwolves.
• “Thank god.” Josh Hart on having to play less at centre now that the Knicks have Towns.
• Reporter: “Pop said he despised you for years.” Chris Paul: “Yeah, it’s mutual.”
• “I’m not that bad at basketball.” Ben Simmons when asked about what his past stats say about him.
• “I’m the best rebounder to ever play this game … you wanna record that? Best rebounder ever. Ever.” Andre Drummond.
